Lauren Betts Shares Cori Close's Advice for WNBA Training Camp
Lauren Betts, the fourth overall pick by the Washington Mystics in the 2026 WNBA Draft, has revealed key advice from her former UCLA coach, Cori Close, as she transitions to professional basketball. Following a successful college career that culminated in a National Championship, Betts is preparing for her first WNBA training camp with a focus on humility and diligence. Close advised her to act like a sponge, learn from everyone, ask questions, arrive on time, and be a supportive teammate, emphasizing that her roster spot was earned, not given. The Mystics are managing Betts' workload carefully after her grueling NCAA tournament run, with veteran teammate Kiki Iriafen helping monitor her physical recovery. Washington, which missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, features a young roster including Shakira Austin and Sonia Citron. Betts, a dominant 6-foot-7 center, is expected to compete for a starting role. The Mystics begin their preseason against the Phoenix Mercury on April 25, with the regular season opener scheduled for May 8 against the expansion team Toronto Tempo.
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Lauren Betts Shares Cori Close's Advice for WNBA Training Camp
Lauren Betts, the fourth overall pick by the Washington Mystics in the 2026 WNBA Draft, has revealed key advice from her former UCLA coach, Cori Close, as she transitions to professional basketball. Following a successful college career that culminated in a National Championship, Betts is preparing for her first WNBA training camp with a focus on humility and diligence. Close advised her to act like a sponge, learn from everyone, ask questions, arrive on time, and be a supportive teammate, emphasizing that her roster spot was earned, not given. The Mystics are managing Betts' workload carefully after her grueling NCAA tournament run, with veteran teammate Kiki Iriafen helping monitor her physical recovery. Washington, which missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, features a young roster including Shakira Austin and Sonia Citron. Betts, a dominant 6-foot-7 center, is expected to compete for a starting role. The Mystics begin their preseason against the Phoenix Mercury on April 25, with the regular season opener scheduled for May 8 against the expansion team Toronto Tempo.
Newsweek